British Public Is Totally Against Rupert Murdoch Getting Control Of More Media

A survey commissioned by various British media outlets reveals
that an overwhelming majority of the British public is opposed to
Rupert Murdoch acquiring greater control of
Britain's news media.

The Daily Mail reports that 84% of those polled said
they were against any single organization exerting too much
influence.

This survey was jointly conducted by an alliance of British media
powerhouses including BT, Guardian Media Group, Associated
Newspapers, Trinity Mirror, Northcliffe Media, and Telegraph
Media Group with regard to
Murdoch's attempt to take over broadcaster BSkyB. Murdoch's
News Corp is bidding to buy the 61% of shares it does not already
own.

The takeover has already been cleared on competition grounds by
the European Commission, but the public remains skeptical. The
poll indicates that 63% of respondents still want further
investigation into the purchase. 44 % opposed the deal outright,
with only 5% saying they were in favor of it.

Could such an overwhelming public outcry against Murdoch's deal
ultimately thwart it?

Probably not.

Meanwhile, UK Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt is
receiving a report of the results. He will then have until
January 15th to decide whether or not to refer the deal to the
Competition Commission for a full-scale review.

"This deal marks a significant change of control and the public
is clearly concerned," said a spokesperson for the alliance of
media groups.